Fishing Report – Febuary 1, 2018

ANGLESEA

» Fishing reports from Anglesea are showing a bit of improvement
» Pinkies are back
» Some tuna have also been reported.

BARWON HEADS

» The river is said to be still producing salmon, trevally and King George whiting as well as a few mulloway
» Flathead, snapper and pinkies being caught offshore
» A few gummy shark are being caught.

LORNE

» The fishing over the last two weeks has been excellent with great weather and plenty of fish being caught with the water offshore over 22 degrees.
» Flathead have been on the go for three months now and are showing no signs of slowing down. They are mainly sand flathead from 30 centimetres up to 60 centimetres, but with a few big blue spotted Yanks and Tigers are also being caught among them
» Pinkies are moving around in schools and their appetites are voracious and can be caught on just about anything, a lot have been full of small squid
» King George whiting are now being caught in good numbers and they are quite big, 46 centimetres are common
» Sweep and trevally have been a welcome catch when fishing for whiting
» Large schools of Australian Salmon as well as Yakkas and Slimy Mackerel are being caught.
» Gummy Sharks are consistent but be prepared to put some work into catching them
» The Lorne Pier has also been fishing well with Calamari, Salmon, Trevally and Whiting being caught consistently.

Thanks to the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club for this report

TORQUAY

» Still reports of nice snapper being caught offshore as well as off the beach
» Flathead and good King George whiting are also being caught with the whiting in close and off the beaches
» Salmon are still around with some nice ones being caught off most local beaches
» Some gummy sharks have been reported offshore and some off the beach
» Spring Creek fishing well with some nice bream being caught.

Remember Torquay Tackle and Sports. For all the best available advice in Torquay on tackle and bait, drop in at the store and see Ross or Josh to ensure you get the most up-to-date information available. Phone 5264 8207.

QUEENSCLIFF

» St Leonards, reports of snapper being caught out wide continue. Whiting are still being caught with some pinkies, flathead also being caught
» Gummy shark and squid being caught
» Point Lonsdale has reports of salmon, trevally and still some good-sized whiting as well as squid being caught
» Queenscliff Harbour: reports of trevally, salmon and mullet continue
» White Lady is still reporting a few whiting, squid and calamari
» Indented Head has reports of flathead, squid and snapper still being caught, as well as some good gummy shark catches.

THE state government has released its blueprint for boosting freshwater fishing across Victoria with record fish stockings, partnerships for better fish habitat and an actively engaged recreational fishing community.

Acting Minister for Agriculture Ben Carroll released Victoria’s draft Freshwater Fisheries Management Plan for public consultation.

The draft plan sets out a new, statewide approach to build better recreational fisheries by bringing together fish, water and land management.

It is the first Freshwater Fisheries Management Plan for Victoria that considers the sustainable management of the state’s most popular recreational fish – including trout, redfin, Murray cod, golden perch and bass.

The plan was developed collaboratively by fishers, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.

Its key elements include:

• Improving fish habitat to help boost fish populations naturally
• Using recreational angler catch and effort data to help track the performance of fisheries
• Accelerating recovery of threatened species, including Macquarie perch
• Expanding the breeding and stocking program of native fish
• Creating the next generation of responsible anglers
• Promoting our best recreational fisheries as tourism destinations.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority will continue to build partnerships and improve recreational fishing through:

• The state government’s $222 million commitment to improve waterway and catchment health, including $1 million for fishers to enhance riverbank habitat and shading
• Investing $500,000 and fishing licence fees to evaluate key native fisheries in 10 catchments
• Expanding fish stocking to 270 waters across the state.

The plan is available online at vfa.vic.gov.au/freshwaterplan.

They are inviting feedback from recreational fishers. Submissions are open until March 22.

Community report

On Sunday January 28, the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC) held their first major fishing competition for the year. Being a very hot day, most anglers went out early and came in early to avoid the heat. There were quite a lot of good quality fish weighed in and the competitors, members and guests all enjoyed a beautiful roast lunch and refreshments after the presentations.

The winner was Graeme Norton with a 740-gram King George whiting, which was a new club record.

Runner-up was Rick Barham with a 700-gram sweep.

Third was Brett Stewart with a 660-gram King George Whiting.

Our next competition will be held on March 11, which is the Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend. There will be a roast lunch for all members and guests. All welcome.

Keith Miller, Commodore, LAAC.

Photos

I would also like to remind everyone to keep those photos coming in of your big catch! Please forward them to [email protected], with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big Catch.